Major Traveling Exhibition Surveys Midcentury American Art and Design  


ROCHESTER, NY — The years following the Second World War saw an explosion of craft art in America. Men and women from all walks of life and corners of the globe rediscovered and reinvigorated such traditional media as ceramics, fiber, glass, metal and wood. In our own region, Rochester Institute of Technology and Alfred University became major creative centers. 

A major traveling exhibition that surveys the studio craft movement opens February 26, 2012 at the Memorial Art Gallery and remains on view through May 10.Crafting Modernism: Midcentury American Art and Design includes works by more than 170 artists and designers, among them such masters as Harry Bertoia, Anni Albers, Isamu Noguchi, Wendell Castle, Albert Paley, Peter Voulkos, Harvey Littleton and Maria Martinez. Today, the work of these “midcentury modern” artists is highly sought by collectors. For a complete list of artists, visit <http://mag.rochester.edu/exhibitions/crafting-modernism-artist-list/>.

The exhibition, which spans the years from 1945 to 1969, begins with the early postwar era, when the independent craftsmen lifestyle became a compelling alternative to the anonymity of the corporate world. It then moves on to the turbulent late 1950s and 1960s, which witnessed the emergence of the crafted object as a work of art informed by Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, Funk, social commentary and counterculture. 

LOCAL CONNECTIONS
The importance of western New York in the history of the craft movement cannot be underestimated. Three institutions in particular are well represented inCrafting Modernism: RIT’s School for American Crafts (SAC), the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, and Syracuse University. At least 20 artists with work in the show taught or studied at one of these institutions. To learn more about them, visit 
<http://mag.rochester.edu/exhibitions/crafting-modernism-western-ny-connections/>.

SPONSORS
Crafting Modernism is made possible through the generosity of the National Endowment for the Arts; the Henry Luce Foundation; and the Craft Research Fund of the Center for Craft, Creativity and Design. It was organized by the Museum of Arts and Design, New York City.

In Rochester, the exhibition is sponsored by Harter Secrest & Emery LLP, with additional support from the Mabel Fenner Lyon Fund, the Gallery Council of the Memorial Art Gallery, Ron and Cathy Paprocki and Mann’s Jewelers. Support is also provided by the friends of Grant Holcomb in honor of his tenure as Director of the Memorial Art Gallery.

Crafting Modernism was organized by curator Jeannine Falino and associate curator Jennifer Scanlan of the Museum of Arts and Design, where the show opened in October 2011.

EXHIBITION PREVIEW PARTY 

  • Saturday, February 25, 8–11: Music by the Metropolitan Stompers, Zach and Lacey Lee; screening of Rebel Without a Cause; food and drink for purchase. $25 (free to MAG members at Supporter level and above). Advance tickets required; call 585-276-8939.


PUBLIC PROGRAMS 

  • Sunday, February 26 at 2 pm: lecture by exhibition curator Jeannine Falino with artist Wendell Castle (included in Gallery admission)
  • Thursday, March 8, 6–8 pm: MAG Young Professionals Scavenger Hunt ($10, includes clue packet, MAG admission and glass of wine)
  • Thursday, April 19 at 7 pm: Jean France and Steven Plouffe on “Local Landmarks of Modernism” (included in Gallery admission)


ESPECIALLY FOR EDUCATORS

  • Wednesday, February 29, 4:30–7 pm: What is Design? ($30; to register call 585-276-8971)


RONALD HAYES PEARSON TRUNK SHOW

  • Thursday, April 26, 6–9 pm; Friday, April 27, 11 am–5 pm; Saturday, April 28, 11 am–5 pm in the Gallery Store (free)


GUIDED EXHIBITION TOURS (included in Gallery admission)

  • Sunday, February 26, 1 pm and 3 pm
  • Sundays, March 4–May 10, 1 pm
  • Fridays, March 2–May 8, 2 pm


MAX AT THE GALLERY TAPAS NIGHTS

  • Stop by Thursday evenings from 5 to 8 pm for Tapas Night at MAG. Visit the Gallery (open until 9 pm), enjoy live music, and purchase wine, beer and tapas plates. 


MORE ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
<http://mag.rochester.edu/exhibitions/crafting-modernism/>

HOURS AND ADMISSION
Open Wednesday–Sunday 11 am–5 pm and until 9 pm Thursday. Also open Tuesday, April 10, 11 am–5 pm (school break). Closed Mondays, all other Tuesdays and major holidays. General admission $12; senior citizens, $8; college students with ID and children 6-18, $5. Always free to members, UR students, and children 5 and under. Half-price admission, Thursdays from 5-9, sponsored by ExxonMobil Chemical Company and Monroe County.

VISITOR PARKING
Free parking is available in the Goodman and Prince Street lots and in the temporary lot behind the Gallery, with handicapped-accessible spots near the University Avenue entrance and in the temporary lot. Please do not park in designated fire lanes in front of the building. The main entrance faces University Avenue, but visitors parking in back may enter through the auxiliary entrance across from the temporary lot, under the blue awning.

MAG ON THE WEB
<http://mag.rochester.edu/>